Sat, Oct 23, 2021
Vertical Aero’s VA-X4 eVTOL Chosen
Japan Airlines (JAL) has begun its partnership for a sustainable, zero-emissions rideshare service, slated to enter service at the Osaka Kansai Expo in 2025. Working with aircraft leasing company Avolon, JAL will create Japan’s first air-based ride sharing system.
Avolon will pursue local partnerships, customers, support infrastructure, and certifications to set the stage for their 2025 launch. JAL will have the option to purchase or lease up to 100 of their aircraft of choice, the Vertical VA-X4.
The Vertical VA-X4 has been a contender for similar operations worldwide, with its quiet operation, electric power, high-wing build, VTOL capability, and passenger carrying capacity. Able to carry 4 in comfort up to a 992lb maximum payload, the british-made aircraft can travel 100 miles between chargings. The prospect of a city travel system freed from street-level blockage is perfect for the dense metro areas served by JAL, and Avolon says their aviation expertise is vital to seeing the VA-X4 certified with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau.
Tomohiro Nishihata, Managing Executive Officer of Japan Airlines, said the joint project will be seen as a milestone in Japanese aviation history.
“Today’s announcement represents an important step towards the social implementation of Air Taxi at Osaka Kansai EXPO in 2025. Our partnership with Avolon, lays out the pathway towards achieving the Air Mobility revolution in Japan. The introduction of VA-X4 will also contribute to reducing our environmental impact and we fundamentally believe that sustainability will be the engine for future growth across our business and region. We look forward to collaborating closely with Avolon and Vertical on the roadmap to certification for the VA-X4 with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau.”
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